Diabetic Retinopathy: Mitochondria, mtDNA, and Long Non-coding RNAs
Official title: Diabetic Retinopathy, Mitochondria Damage and Long Non-coding RNAs
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11345756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Wayne State University looks at how diabetes damages retinal cell powerhouses and their RNA to cause blindness, with potential for new therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $346,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033516-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with diabetes at risk for or with early diabetic retinopathy who could contribute samples or participate in related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or without retinal involvement may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how diabetes harms retinal mitochondria and the genetic material inside them, focusing on how long non-coding RNAs may control mitochondrial gene expression. Researchers will examine changes in the electron transport chain and mtDNA nucleoids in response to high blood sugar, and how these processes contribute to retinopathy. Using human-relevant models and molecular biology techniques, the work aims to connect mitochondrial dysfunction to the progression of diabetic eye disease. The findings could point to new RNA- or mitochondria-targeted strategies to protect vision in people with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches to prevent or slow vision loss in diabetes by stabilizing mitochondrial function and mtDNA regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest mitochondria and mtDNA dynamics play a role in diabetic retinopathy, but targeted LncRNA-focused therapies are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kowluru, Renu a. — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Kowluru, Renu a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.